Brooklyn Public Library Engages Record Number of Summer Reading Program Participants In 2014
Focusing on STEM Education, Program Reaches more than 126,000 Brooklyn Children & Teens
Brooklyn, NY – More than 126,000 children and teens participated in the Library’s Summer Reading Program this year, breaking the record for annual participation in the program’s ten-year history, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) announced today. In partnership with the New York City Department of Education, Brooklyn Public Library’s Summer Reading Program aims to prevent “summer slide” by encouraging Brooklyn’s young readers to visit one of the library’s 60 branches throughout the borough.
It is estimated that summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction per year, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected. The Summer Reading Program aims to keep children and teens active and engaged by offering book lists, activities, gameboards for kids, and reading challenge cards for teens and adults. Every year, BPL also offers a Summer Reading Program for adults, which includes a lecture series, book discussions and an adult Summer Reading book list.
“Whether they were enjoying the quiet of their neighborhood branch or taking in the sunshine in Prospect Park or Coney Island, a record number of Brooklyn’s young readers spent their summers with a good book,” said Linda E. Johnson, President & CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “When children read over the summer, they are more likely to start school prepared and become lifelong readers. This was a great year for summer reading, and we know that 2015 will be better yet.”
To promote the Summer Reading Program, library staff visited schools, community centers, daycare centers, street fairs, and houses of worship to engage with parents and students on the importance of summer reading.
This year's theme, “Fizz, Boom, Read,” encouraged students to interact with the principles of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math. The library offered a summer science club, games, videos and educational challenges to inspire kids from pre-K through high school to explore the sciences. This year’s Robot Engineers Game, which invited kids to research, design, and build a model of their ideal robot friend, led to some very innovative creations. Everyone who finished a summer reading game board or challenge was entered into a drawing for iPads, Beats headphones, Buddyphones and Sparki robots.
About Brooklyn Public Library: Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.